Spinal Corticosteroid Injection

Definition

A
spinal corticosteroid injection
is a needle injection in the back used to relieve pain or inflammation. Corticosteroids are injected into the epidural space around the spinal nerve roots of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar portion of the spine, depending on the area that being treated.

Reasons for Procedure

The procedure is done to:

Reduce pain caused by swelling and irritation around the spine

Improve physical function for people with persistent
low back pain
and/or sciatica

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic and/or a sedative may be used. They may help to reduce pain and
anxiety. You will be awake for the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on your side on an x-ray table. The skin on your back will be washed with a sterile solution. A syringe containing corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic will be injected through the skin and into a space near the spine.
X-ray
imaging will be used to guide the placement of the needle. Contrast material may also be injected to confirm that the needle is in the right place. The medication will be injected and the needle will be removed from your back. A small bandage may then be placed over the injection site.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure will take less than 1 hour. The entire visit takes about 2-3 hours.

Will It Hurt?

The injection of the local anesthetic may burn or sting for a few seconds. After that, you should not feel pain during the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will spend time in a recovery area where your recovery will be monitored.

Because you were sedated during the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home.

Potential temporary side effects include:

Brief period of increased pain

Headaches

Trouble sleeping

Facial flushing

Hiccups

Lightheadedness from low blood pressure

At Home

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Rest on the day of the procedure.

Apply ice packs for soreness at the injection site.

It will take a few days to a week for the medication to reduce the inflammation and pain. You should be able to resume your regular activities the day after the procedure. You should be able to start exercising within 1 week.

Call Your Doctor

Complications may vary depending on the portion of the spine that receives the injection. Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:

Severe pain

Headache that worsens when you sit or stand and improves when you lie down

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the injection site

Shortness of breath or chest pain

Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, especially in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Changes in urine or bowel function

Sudden increase in weight of more than 5 pounds

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.